MATTHEW WEST KICKS OFF 2026 ON A “GOOD” NOTE WITH REFLECTIVE TRACK
New song launches alongside Winter Jam 2026 headlining kickoff tonight (1/9)
New book “Don't Stop Praying: The God Who Hears Us Is Just A Breath Away” releases Feb. 3
2026/01/09.MatthewWestKicksOff2026withNewSingleGood.asp NEWS SOURCE: OH Creative January 9, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Matthew West begins 2026 with the release of his new song, “Good,” a contemplative and lyrically grounded offering from “one of Christian music's most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard). The track reflects West's continued focus on songs that wrestle honestly with faith, humility and grace – setting the tone for a year defined by creative clarity and spiritual depth.
“I'm so excited to start this new year with a new song! 'Good' is about my lifelong journey to understand God's grace,” shares West. “I spent a long time treating grace like a ladder I had to climb — if I did enough good things, then I'd be worthy of God's love. But He keeps showing me that grace isn't a reward or something I have to earn, it's a gift freely given. That powerful truth did more than inspire this song, it has changed my life.”
Written by West with AJ Pruis, the song opens with an acoustic strum and unfolds as a thoughtful reflection on grace. Drawing inspiration from the Book of Romans, the song traces West's journey from striving to surrender. The lyric contrasts human weakness with God's unwavering goodness, setting our tendency to fail against His refusal to give up. Anchored by a powerful, sing-along chorus, the song reframes grace as something not earned by effort, but freely given because God is good.
The release arrives as West launches a busy new chapter, beginning with his headlining slot on Winter Jam 2026, which kicks off tonight (1/9) in Columbia, S.C. He's also just weeks away from releasing his new book, “Don't Stop Praying: The God Who Hears Us Is Just A Breath Away,”on Feb 3. Sharing personal insights from West's faith journey and a Bible-based exploration of the power and meaning of prayer, the book aims to help readers rediscover the thriving, intimate and bold prayer life that Jesus desires for us.
Last month, West continued to bring his message of faith and testimony to national audiences, including a performance at the first-ever Pentagon Christmas Worship Service. He also co-hosted and performed at the 103rd National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse at The White House and President's Park. The televised special aired on Great American Family and will stream on Great American Pure Flix until Jan. 31, 2026.
Dubbed “one of Christian music's most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), Matthew West has notched 38 No.1 songs combined as an artist and songwriter and has been awarded RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. West is also a five-time GRAMMY nominee, NSAI's 2025 and 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, ASCAP's 2023 Golden Note Award recipient, ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year recipient and a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, K-LOVE Fan Awards, GMA Dove Awards and has been named Billboard's Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. A recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.”
In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards eight times and has more than 275 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Anne Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Danny Gokey, Casting Crowns and others. The release of Don't Stop Praying marks his 13th studio album. West's first single from the album and title track, "Don't Stop Praying" (released January 2024) marked his biggest streaming single debut in his 20-year career and notched a No. 1 spot for two weeks at radio. The newest single, “Unashamed,” from the Don't Stop Praying album climbed the Top 10 on Christian radio, inspiring people across the nation to stand boldly in faith and live unashamed of the Gospel.
Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written eight books to date: K-LOVE award winning “My Story, Your Glory 30-Day Devotional,” “Give This Christmas Away,” “The Story Of Your Life,” “Forgiveness,” “Today Is Day One,” “Hello, My Name Is,” “The God Who Stays,” “Come Home For Christmas” with his ninth book “Don't Stop Praying” slated to release in February 2026. In 2020, The Matthew West Podcast debuted and continues weekly with special guests. West is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story. Along with his father, Pastor Joe West, they founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share and live a more meaningful life.
This Friday, January 9, 2026
ALBUMS Vince Gill 50 Years From Home: Brown's Diner Bar [MCA Nashville] Inborn Tendency Let There Be Sin [Charon Collective]
SINGLES Cutright, JusRzd Duck Tales - Single [Syntax] EJ Swavv, Jeff Knox, NandoSTL Deja Vu (Remix) - Single [Syntax] Elevation Rhythm, Lizzie Morgan Thank God I'm Free - Single [Provident] Faith Worship Arts Something Incredible (Live) - Single [DREAM] Freedom Church Blood Is Greater - Single [DREAM] Gethsemane Instrumental Winter Rest - Single [Ocean House] GLADDEN Good In My Soul - Single [DREAM] Good Weather Forecast lows2highs (feat. gio.) - Single [DREAM] Illustrate The Sound - Single (independent) Brandon Lake When A Cowboy Prays (with Cody Johnson) - Single [Provident] Gabrielle Lovelace You Can't Put God in a Box - Single [Old Bear] Mountains in the Sea Not By Might - Single [DREAM] Jeannie Ortega With Me - Single [Syntax] Matthew West Good - Single [Provident] CeCe Winans For Your Glory - Single [Capitol CMG]
Next Friday, January 16, 2026
SINGLES Ian Austin, Isaiah William Front Porch Wisdom - Single [Ocean House] Life.Church Worship Digno De Alabar - Single [Ocean House] Jake MacAdam echoes - Single [Ocean House] Remnant House GO! - Single [Ocean House]